DJI Added to FCC Covered List: Are Your Drones Still Legal?

The day many filmmakers feared has arrived. The FCC has formally added DJI and different foreign-made drones to its “Coated Listing,” successfully banning the authorization of recent fashions in the US. Whereas present fleets stay authorized to fly for now, the way forward for the drone trade within the US has simply shifted dramatically. Here’s what you could know.For months, we have now reported on the looming chance of a nationwide ban on Chinese language-manufactured drones. With the passing of the FY25 Nationwide Protection Authorization Act (NDAA) and a collection of Govt Orders in June 2025, the writing was on the wall.Late yesterday, the Federal Communications Fee (FCC) made it official. In a press launch issued December 22, the FCC introduced that “unmanned plane techniques (UAS) and UAS essential elements” produced in overseas nations have been added to its “Coated Listing.”This transfer, efficient instantly, blocks new machine authorizations, that means future DJI drones (and sure different overseas manufacturers) can’t be legally imported or offered within the US.The FCC Ruling: What Occurred?The FCC’s choice follows a “Nationwide Safety Willpower” by an interagency physique convened by the White Home. The willpower concludes that foreign-made drones pose “unacceptable dangers to the nationwide safety of the US.”FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a long-time vocal critic of DJI, acknowledged:“I welcome this Govt Department nationwide safety willpower… Following President Trump’s management, the FCC will work carefully with U.S. drone makers to unleash American drone dominance.”Technically, this isn’t a “ban” on possession, however a ban on FCC authorization. Since each drone wants an FCC ID to transmit wi-fi alerts legally within the US, denying this authorization successfully stops any new mannequin from getting into the market.The brand new FCC Coated Listing consists of DJI, successfully banning their new product from the US. Picture credit score: CineDScope: “Overseas-Made” vs. Simply “China”Whereas DJI is the clear goal – holding roughly 70% of the worldwide market – the language within the FCC’s truth sheet is surprisingly broad. It refers to “foreign-made UAS” and “UAS essential elements produced in overseas nations.”This obscure wording raises large questions for the trade. Does this apply to European or Japanese drones that make the most of Chinese language-made flight controllers or motors? The FCC notes that exceptions can be granted by the Division of Protection or Homeland Safety, however the default standing for overseas drones is now the “Coated Listing.”The Good Information: Your Present Drone is Secure (For Now)Crucially for filmmakers and manufacturing homes, the FCC explicitly acknowledged that this ruling doesn’t apply retroactively.Present Fleets: In the event you already personal a DJI Mavic 3, Mavic 4 Professional, or Encourage 3, you possibly can proceed to make use of it legally.Retail Inventory: Retailers can proceed to promote present fashions which have already obtained FCC authorization.Nevertheless, as soon as a brand new mannequin is introduced—say, a theoretical “Mavic 5” or “Mini 6″—it is going to be blocked from receiving FCC approval and can’t be offered within the US.DJI’s Response: “Protectionism”DJI has issued an announcement expressing deep disappointment, arguing that the choice was made with out the safety audit mandated by Congress within the NDAA.“Issues about DJI’s knowledge safety haven’t been grounded in proof and as an alternative mirror protectionism, opposite to the rules of an open market,” a DJI spokesperson advised the press.DJI additionally confirmed that they may try to work with the Division of Protection to achieve an exemption, although trade analysts are skeptical of their probabilities given the present political local weather.CineD’s Take: A Main Blow to FilmmakersAt CineD, we have now all the time targeted on the instruments that assist creatives inform tales. The truth is that DJI has no equal within the inexpensive, high-quality cinema drone house.Whereas U.S. producers like Skydio have pivoted fully to enterprise and navy sectors, and Sony’s Airpeak stays a distinct segment, high-end platform, DJI democratized aerial cinematography. The Mavic and Mini collection are staples in nearly each unbiased filmmaker’s gear bag.If this ban holds, American filmmakers will face a stagnating market. We will likely be compelled to depend on ageing airframes whereas the remainder of the world strikes on to newer, higher sensors and flight expertise. Moreover, the ban on “essential elements” might make repairing present fleets more and more tough if alternative elements like motors or gimbal cameras are seized at customs.The inventory worth of American drone maker Uncommon Machines soared following the information, however for now, no home producer affords a product that competes with DJI on price-to-performance for cinematic video.Key Takeaways for Filmmakers:Don’t Panic Promote: Your present DJI drones are nonetheless authorized to fly.Availability: In the event you had been planning to purchase a drone quickly, do it now. Retailers may even see a run on present inventory.Future Tech: Don’t count on to see new DJI fashions (just like the rumored successors to the Mavic 3 Traditional) within the US anytime quickly.We are going to proceed to observe this growing story, notably how the “essential elements” ban impacts repairs and batteries for present drones.Are you impacted by the DJI ban? 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